Creamy Tapioca Pearls Dessert

# What You'll Need:

→ Tapioca Mixture

01 - 1/2 cup small pearl tapioca

02 - 2 1/2 cups whole milk or dairy-free alternative

03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Sweetener and Flavor

04 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar

05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Finish and Topping

06 - 2 large egg yolks (optional)

07 - 1 cup fresh mixed berries or sliced fruit (e.g., strawberries, mango, kiwi)

# How to Prepare:

01 - Place tapioca pearls in a medium saucepan. Add milk and salt. Let soak for 30 minutes to soften.

02 - Set saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

03 - Stir in sugar and continue cooking, stirring often, until the tapioca pearls become translucent and the mixture thickens, about 15 to 20 minutes.

04 - If using egg yolks, whisk them with a few spoonfuls of the hot tapioca mixture to temper. Gradually stir tempered yolks back into the saucepan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.

05 - Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract to enhance flavor.

06 - Pour pudding into serving dishes. Allow to cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set for optimal texture.

07 - Top chilled pudding with fresh mixed berries or sliced fruit just before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -

It uses just a handful of ingredients you probably already have tucked away somewhere.
The texture is soothing and nostalgic, like a hug in a bowl.
You can dress it up with any fruit you love or keep it simple and pure.

02 -

Stir frequently while simmering or the tapioca will clump and stick to the pan.
If you skip the soaking step, the pearls will take forever to soften and may turn out unevenly cooked.
Tempering the yolks slowly is crucial, rushing it will give you scrambled eggs instead of custard.

03 -